Charges dropped against teen pilot on three conditions

14 Aug 2025 • 3:39 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • American pilot and influencer Ethan Guo was charged by Chilean authorities for submitting a false flight plan and landing without authorisation in Antarctica.
  • A judge dropped the charges as part of an agreement requiring Guo to donate $30,000 to a children's cancer foundation, leave Chile as soon as conditions allow, with a three-year re-entry ban.
  • Guo maintains his innocence, stating he received explicit permission to land at the Teniente Marsh base due to instrument failures and severe icing conditions.
  • Chilean prosecutors claim Guo provided false information, risking global air traffic safety, and believe he was determined to reach Antarctica regardless of the risks.
  • Guo has been stranded at a Chilean Air Force base in Antarctica for six weeks due to winter conditions, and the future of his plane remains uncertain.

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